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M is for... Manicure, marma, medi-spa, monsoon shower and more.
MakeoverManicure
Marma
Massage
Medi-spa
Meditation
Meridians
Microdermabrasion
Monsoon shower
Myofascial release
Makeover
A makeover aims to transform your beauty and shopping habits and refresh your whole look, to renew you. A makeover usually includes an assessment of the colours of clothes and make-up that suit you best, a hair cut, a full make-up, and some information and inspiration on how to combine colours and shapes of clothes to suit your body shape and skin tone. A makeover may include other treatments as well, such as a manicure or a solarium, or longer-term options such as a health and fitness regime.
Good for: Making you look better, and feel more confident; giving you advice and ideas about the best styles, colours and looks for you.
See also: Colour analysis; Manicure; Pedicure
Read more about Makeovers here
Manicure
A manicure is a beauty treatment for your hands and nails. A manicurist uses a variety of tools, creams, oils, waxes and massage techniques to clean and shape your nails, care for your cuticles, and generally improve the look and feel of your hands. There are various kinds of manicure available, which may involve a different shaping of the nail, the use of different oils and cream, or even of electro-pulse or hot stone massage as part of the treatment.
Different types of manicure
American: This is a very natural-looking manicure which shapes the nails to your finger tip.
French: This classic manicure uses clear or ivory-coloured polish on the body of the nail, and whitens the tip. The nail is cut quite square.
Hot stone manicure: This manicure features a hand massage using hot stone therapy to soothe and relax your hand.
Intensive paraffin wax: This manicure includes warm wax being rubbed into your nails, hands and wrists to moisturise and soften.
Luxury: This whole-hand treatment will include a hand massage, softening paraffin wax and heated mittens or a wrap which warms and soothes your hands, and softens and hydrates your nails.
Good for: Improving the texture and health of both the nails and the skin of your hands, as well as leaving them looking polished and perfect.
See also: Footbath; Colour analysis; Pedicure
Read more about Manicures here
Marma
Part of Ayurvedic medical practice, marma points are similar to pressure points in acupressure, acupuncture and Shiatsu.They are points along the energy paths that map your body that, when pressed, release tension and unlock pain.
See also: Acupressure; Chakra; Meridian
Massage
The stroking, kneading, warming, rolling and pressing of skin and muscles. There are many different kinds of massage, each with broadly different origins and aims. Massage encourages blood flow, which increases the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach your organs and tissues. Whilst massage encourages your body to circulate the "good stuff"; it also encourages it to get rid of waste products, toxins, carbon dioxide, and excess water. It can be used to treat specific physical injuries or difficulties, and to help with rehabilitation after someone has had an injury. It can also help prevent further muscle or tissue damage.
Good for: Making you feel comforted just from the fact of touch; relaxing and refreshing tired or knotted muscles; increasing circulation which helps your body to heal, and generally work more efficiently; increasing the production of endorphins – the natural chemicals in your body that make you feel happy, calm and peaceful.
In its various forms, massage can help to cure and relieve a wide range of complaints. Research shows that it is particularly good at relieving stress-related problems, from anxiety and panic attacks, through to asthma, constipation and high blood pressure. It is effective at treating back pain and even arthritis. It is also being used more and more with stroke and cancer patients and with people with dementia.
See also: Balinese massage; Esalen massage; Lymphatic drainage massage;
Read more about Massage here
Medi-spa
A medi-spa is a kind of halfway house between a traditional spa and a medical treatment centre. The menu will include a wide range of non-surgical medical procedures such as laser hair removal, treatments for broken veins, body contouring and Botox, as well as teeth-whitening. Laser removal of moles and warts, or even that tattoo you now regret having, might also be part of the repertoire.
The proprietors and practitioners are usually qualified health professionals, rather than beauticians and masseurs. Depending on the treatment you're having, you might well expect to be given a local anaesthetic, or have a consultation about your dietary or sleeping habits.
Good for: Addressing specific problems rather than just making you feel good.
See also: Botox; Hair removal; Non-surgical facelift
Meditation
A method of achieving free-flowing, deep thought and mental release based on focused breathing. It requires discipline and practice.
Good for: Working through emotional problems or processing past difficulties and experiences. Meditation is not always relaxing, and can be very difficult, but practised regularly it can bring balance and a sense of calm and peace.
See also: Ai Chi; Tai Chi; Yoga
Meridians
Meridians are energy paths that map your body. Acupressure, Shiatsu and reflexology are just three of the treatments that use these paths.
See also: Chakra; Reflexology; Shiatsu
Microdermabrasion
Microdermabrasion is a form of exfoliation using fine crystals which are blasted onto the skin. The device used to do this vacuums up all the crystals, dead skin and dirt as it goes. Microdermabrasion is often a feature of an exfoliating or radiance facial.
Good for: Fresh, radiant skin in a short amount of time.
See also: Exfoliation; Facial Filler; Facial
Monsoon shower
The monsoon shower aims to recreate the effect of a short tropical cloudburst. Ideally taken after heat treatment such as a sauna, it douses the body with high-pressure jets of water, which fluctuates in temperature from warm to hot and back again.
Good for: Stimulating circulation.
See also: Jet Shower; Ice Therapy; Swiss shower
Myofascial release
Fascia is a tough tissue that surrounds every muscle, bone, organ, nerve, and blood vessel in your body. Myofascial release is a stretching technique that releases tension and therefore pain deep in the body. It is used by physiotherapists to treat patients with some soft tissue problems. It is also called "connective tissue massage".
Good for: Recovery from injury or deep muscle pain.
See also: Heat Treatment; Deep tissue massage; Rolfing
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